Tulsa junior Samantha Olson is looking to build on a breakout sophomore season that established her as one of the Golden Hurricane’s leading women’s golfers.
The Phoenix, Arizona native transferred from LSU and made an immediate impact, leading Tulsa with a 72.6 scoring average while helping the program capture its second consecutive American Conference Championship in 2026.
Olson earned American All-Conference honors and opened her junior season with a fifth place finish at the Leadership and Golf Invitational.
Career Highlights
- 2026 American Conference Team Champion
- 2026 American All-Conference selection
- Led Tulsa with a 72.6 sophomore scoring average
- Four top 10 finishes and 16 rounds at par or better in 2025 to 2026
- Runner up at the 2026 American Conference Championship
- T2 at the Collegiate Invitational at Guadalajara
- T8 at the 2026 NCAA Waco Regional with a 207 total
- Career low 65 at the Schooner Fall Classic
- American Conference Women’s Golfer of the Week on February 5, 2026
- No. 112 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings following the 2025 to 2026 season
- Low amateur honors at two 2025 Annika Women’s All Pro Tour events
- Fifth at the 2026 Leadership and Golf Invitational
From Arizona to Tulsa
Olson grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, where she was homeschooled alongside her sister and participated in several sports before discovering golf through family outings and junior clinics.
She developed her competitive experience through U.S. Kids Golf events, the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship and tournaments throughout Arizona.
Olson began her collegiate career at LSU before transferring to Tulsa following her freshman season.
She told CGN that she wanted a supportive program with a competitive schedule and greater opportunities to compete. Tulsa provided the environment she was seeking.
Breakout Sophomore Season
Olson made an immediate impact during the 2025 to 2026 season, competing in all 12 tournaments and leading Tulsa with a 72.6 scoring average.
She opened the spring with three consecutive top five finishes, including a runner up performance at the Collegiate Invitational at Guadalajara.
Olson also finished second individually at the American Conference Championship with rounds of 69, 71 and 74, helping Tulsa secure its second consecutive conference title.
Her success continued at the NCAA Waco Regional, where she finished tied for eighth with rounds of 70, 67 and 70 for a 207 total.
The season earned Olson American All-Conference recognition and established her as a key contributor to Tulsa’s success.
Professional Tour Experience
Olson gained valuable experience competing against professionals during the summer of 2025 on the Annika Women’s All Pro Tour.
She earned Collegiate Series honors and shared low amateur recognition at the St. Louis Championship before finishing tied for 28th and earning low amateur honors at the Coke Dr Pepper Open.
Olson told CGN that competing against professional players helped her evaluate her game, identify areas for improvement and develop confidence at a higher level.
Interview Highlights with CGN
Starting the Game in Arizona
Olson grew up participating in baseball, soccer, dance and gymnastics before discovering golf. She credited her family, longtime swing coach and mental coach for helping develop her skills and competitive mindset.
Transferring to Tulsa
After spending her freshman season at LSU, Olson wanted more opportunities to compete and a program that valued her development. She credited Tulsa’s supportive team environment and competitive schedule for helping her succeed.
Breakout Sophomore Season
Olson reflected on seeing her hard work pay off through consistent performances, All-Conference recognition and helping Tulsa win the American Conference Championship.
Competing Against Professionals
Olson enjoyed competing on the Annika Women’s All Pro Tour and praised the supportive atmosphere among professional players. She emphasized how those experiences helped prepare her for higher levels of competition.
Mental Approach to Golf
Olson discussed the importance of confidence and mental preparation. Rather than feeling intimidated by professional competition, she focused on the excitement and opportunity to test her abilities.
Junior Season Goals
Olson hopes to compete in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and earn All-America recognition. She also wants to help Tulsa reach match play at the NCAA Championship while taking on a greater leadership role.
Family Support
Olson expressed appreciation for her parents, sister, grandparents and longtime swing coach, crediting their encouragement and sacrifices for helping her pursue competitive golf.
CGN Angle
Olson’s collegiate journey reflects the impact of finding the right competitive environment.
After transferring from LSU, she developed into Tulsa’s leading scorer, earned All-Conference honors and helped the Golden Hurricane capture another conference championship.
With professional tour experience and a strong sophomore season behind her, Olson enters her junior year focused on individual improvement, team leadership and helping Tulsa compete for a national championship.